Best Salons in Downtown Boston

If you ask the average person where to find the best salons in Boston, he or she might point you in the direction of Newbury Street. But the true sophisticates will likely lead you to the most luxurious of salons . . . downtown! With an abundance of trendy spots popping up all over the neighborhood, I hit the pavement to find the salons that really stand out from the crowd.

Best Men’s Cut:DiSalvo’s Barbershop

This old-school barbershop is a hidden gem in the heart of the Financial District. Tucked away up a narrow staircase on 10 Milk Street, DiSalvo’s is a masculine sanctuary, with Sinatra singing in the background and friendly, experienced staff. Because they end every cut with a hot leather and straight razor touch-up, you’ll frequently find financiers here in search of a little pampering.

Ready for the big cut? Find the best salons in Boston for haircuts! Photo credit: Lina Smith.

With its small team of stylists and minimalist approach, the light-filled Trephin has earned its title as one of the best salons in Boston over the last three years. It’s even been recognized by Elle magazine as one of the top 100 salons in the country. The best cut in Boston comes from the knowing hands of co-owner Brian Rand, who can craft a pixie, tame a curl, or turn you into the coolest girl in town in the blink of an eye.

Home to cult favorite products Living Proof, Mitchell John is the place to go for color downtown, whether you just need a touch-up or want a dramatic change. The salon uses both Goldwell and Wella for color, but it’s their technique of hand-painting highlights onto hair (rather than traditional foiling) for precise application that sets them ahead of the pack. Make sure to ask for their glaze treatment to add a silky shine.

Fashion-forward women have always known the importance of a good blowout and, with the emergence of blow-dry bars all over the city, it’s easier than ever to get a good one. But fashion-forward women in Boston know to visit Jack at Fascino to satisfy their desire for frizz-free locks. His technique easily tames flyaways and leaves clients feeling glamorous with soft, glossy hair. Fascino’s modern decor (sleek gray walls, dark hardwood floors) and laptop-friendly color bar makes it the go-to for this city’s busiest women. Plus you may even bump into a celebrity or socialite; after visiting this past June, Jenna Bush Hager is a fan.

Marc Harris’s Financial District outpost is home to the luxury salon’s first full spa, but they also offer a full menu of their signature salon services. Now they offer Bumble & Bumble’s newest, patent-pending ConcenStraight treatment! This (formaldehyde-free) straightening treatment is formulated with a mix of plant proteins and actual gemstones (pearls, sapphires, and tourmaline, to name just a few) and keeps hair smooth for up to 30 shampoos. Try ConcenStraight at the skilled hands of the Marc Harris team just once and you’ll be hooked.

Best Overall Experience: James Joseph Salon at the W Hotel Boston

One of the most famous names on the Boston hair scene, James Joseph opened his first salon in 1997. Last year, he opened his fourth Massachusetts location on the first floor of the W. This intimate salon, with floor-to-ceiling windows, has only six chairs, so the experience is relaxing and personal. Staffed by style perfectionists, James Joseph clients know they can consistently expect to receive the best salon services (from color to styling) with a smile and a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.

As you can see, whether you need a quick cut, a relaxing afternoon, or a total hair makeover, there is no reason to leave downtown to find the best salons in Boston!